Got an open seat for TotD?

[Al Navarro]

I'm starting this thread to get a feeling for how many people would be up for any of the following:



A) Having a Se7en-less (either under construction or under repair) USA7s buddy ride shotgun for some or all of the event.



B) Giving a journalist a ride on any of the various group drives/letting them drive at least one leg of one drive (need to investigate ins. on the latter)



C) Letting a journalist drive your car at the Auto-X



D) Giving a test ride to someone who is interested in buying your particular marque of car - yes, we'd make them sign some sort of waiver

(different from A, because these folks might not be a part of the USA7s community...for example, if Brian has some people on the East Coast who can't make it to TX to try an Ultralite)



E) Giving a short "charity" ride to a spectator (perhaps not on the Dragon) who perhaps would make a donation to some charity "buy" a ride



---



Please chime in and list which option(s) you are most interested in.

<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2007-01-26 11:41:31</editDate></edited>

[slngsht]

A) Having a non-owning USA7s buddy ride shotgun for some or all of the event. <strong>YES</strong>



B) Giving a journalist a ride on any of the various group drives/letting them drive at least one leg of one drive (need to investigate ins. on the latter) <strong>YES</strong>



C) Letting a journalist drive your car at the Auto-X.

<strong>HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THIS ONE... GAS AND BRAKE ARE CLOSE TOGETHER. HAD AN INSTRUCTOR PUSH BOTH IN AND ALMOST PUT MY CAR IN THE CURB. IF THE GUY IS EXPERIENCED, NO PROBLEM</strong>



D) Giving a test ride to someone who is interested in buying your particular marque of car - yes, we'd make them sign some sort of waiver

<strong>IS THIS A TEST DRIVE? OR SAME AS A?</strong>



E) Giving a short "charity" ride to a spectator (perhaps not on the Dragon) who perhaps would make a donation to some charity "buy" a ride

<strong>ABSOLUTELY</strong>

---





Did you budget for barf bags? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/rofl.gif

[scannon]

I'm starting this thread to get a feeling for how many people would be up for any of the following:



A) Having a Se7en-less (either under construction or under repair) USA7s buddy ride shotgun for some or all of the event. <strong>Yes</strong>



B) Giving a journalist a ride on any of the various group drives/letting them drive at least one leg of one drive (need to investigate ins. on the latter) <strong>Yes on the ride, maybe on the drive</strong>



C) Letting a journalist drive your car at the Auto-X <strong>NO</strong>



D) Giving a test ride to someone who is interested in buying your particular marque of car - yes, we'd make them sign some sort of waiver <strong>Yes</strong>



E) Giving a short "charity" ride to a spectator (perhaps not on the Dragon) who perhaps would make a donation to some charity "buy" a ride <strong>Yes</strong>





It's highly unlikely I would let someone I don't know well drive my Caterham. Giving rides is always a pleasure.



Skip

[slngsht]

It's highly unlikely I would let someone I don't know well drive my Caterham. Giving rides is always a pleasure.



Skip



If clarkson or leno showed up, I think I'll be OK with it http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

[scannon]

If clarkson or leno showed up, I think I'll be OK with it http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif



At least I would know they are car people and know how to drive. Not so with some local reporter.



Skip

[slngsht]

I agree with that.



One of the early Roti, either mine, or solder guy's was driven by Brock Yates many moons ago.

[Deman USA]

As a new 7's dealer in North America, I agree to lettting others ride along for an event, and let interested buyers take it for a spin to test it out. The only thing that I am not ok with is a radom journalist who would beat the living out of it just to test it. If they are a known journalist, deifferent story.



Dino

Deman USA http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/mad5.gif

[solder_guy]

One of the early Roti, either mine, or solder guy's was driven by Brock Yates many moons ago.



What? Who?



Rob M

[sparecr]

I would be open for B,D, & E in the ride along catagory. Keeping in mind I have a "vintage" Twin Cam Caterham so maybe a comparison between old and new?

[Al Navarro]

<strong>!!!ATTENTION ALL 7-7-7 ATTENDEES!!!</strong>



This morning, Mazda and I were contacted by a national/international automotive publisher you have all heard of. Someone we had not reached out to previously. Don't bother guessing and ruin the surprise if they commit to the event!!! They are very interested in covering the 7-7-7 event, but are looking for specific opporuntities, which I've cut and pasted from the original email:



-We haven't yet had a good, unmodified period 7 in the magazine, and we definitely need one. At the same time, we wouldn't mind putting a Caterham and real Lotus together for a feature story, and it sounds like a GOOD place to find one



-For that matter, I'd be more than happy to put a Locost vs. Brunton vs. WCM feature together, as well. [Yes, Dino, we will be sure to tell them Deman will be there.]



-We're also always in need of cars for [ANOTHER ONE OF THEIR PUBLICATIONS]. Now, we're not in search of a way-out rotary- or Hayabusa-powered car, but instead, something a little more weekend-garage style, featuring common upgrades aimed at racing (whether AutoX, rally or track, it doesn't matter). It will also have to reflect, at least in part, some period speed goodies.



-And of course, event coverage. I've driven the T of the D once--in a 1-ton Chevy van with a trailer--so I think a Tail by 7 story would be terrific. [WE HAVE THIS COVERED WITH THE INITIAL POST ON THE THREAD]



-I see there are a number of attendees from the Northeast. If someone was driving their 7 down and had an empty seat...I realize there'd be luggage issues and I'd be in little pieces by the time I got there, but it'd make a swell story.



If you can help with any of these story ideas, please chime in here. Obviously, the Lotus/Caterham thing falls into Dean and the other originals' courts...and perhaps Frank F. would show off his CSR 260, the newest latest from Caterham?



If you are driving your car down from the Northeast (NY area would be optimal) and have room for a co-driver and bag (narrow bodied cars probably not a great option!), chime in also.



Very exciting stuff!

[snettleship]

For me, and my Series 4 Seven this would need to be more of a "game time" decision as far as rides & drives. If someone is interested in this series of Lotus, which also has some mods for Vintage Racing, I'd certainly talk to them and see what the interest is.

[slngsht]

I have one seat available from Maryland down, if anyone is up for the punishment. I guarantee at least one smile for the passenger.

[stevet]

I'll probably have a spare seat from Charlottesville - there's a coach service from NYC to C'ville called - wait for it - Starlight Express. The coach will be way more comfortable than the Caterham http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif



Steve.



PS; said person could always FedEx their bags down...

[Deman USA]

This is for all the 7,s got to the event from Illinois, i was thinking that we can all get together, and drive down as a group. Maybe stop on the way and let our toys run for fun.

[Al Navarro]

From the journalist, some more details, and some words to assuage anyone who might be nervous about letting someone else drive...



"As far as seat time goes, my requirement is a familiarization drive for feature cars. We don't do instrumented testing, or banzai, balls-to-the-wall driving, nor do we ask to; just enough to get a sense of the car.



More time is appreciated but in no way required. Usually, I take 45 minutes or so of backroad driving at legal speeds. My credentials do incorporate a certain amount of sports-car driving, including some in at least mild competition. I'll be pleased to be a passenger on the Tail, especially as I'll need to stop regularly for photography."



Regarding roadtripping from the Northeast...



"I will also offer to share driving time on the way down, but that's just as a considerate rider."<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2007-04-03 13:12:30</editDate></edited>

[MichaelD]

Depending on how much seat time Karen wants :-)))) I may have a seat open for most PR as needed. Driving my car would be limited to an experienced, and mature (not like us) drivers.



FWIT: Historically my car is the first FACTORY made Zetec chassis made for America. It was built by Caterham in England 1i 2000 for their US Distributor Frank Boulton in Atlanta.



QuickSilver Racengines has added a few HP just for fun.



We are trailering down from Bethesda early on the 5th and returning on the 8th.



Let me know what you need.



Thanks for your efforts.



Michael D.

[stevet]

A journo can drive mine so long as they promise to pay for any damage (and an upgrade of my choice) http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrinjester.gif



It's a 2000, stock Zetec with no mods.

[scannon]

I'll consider letting the journo drive mine after I talk with him. I'll certainly offer him or anyone else a ride as I am traveling solo.



'04 Caterham SV with turbo Miata motor. Should be producing between 220 - 240 RWHP and similar torque.



Skip

[Boxologist]

Al, unless I have a significant other coming down with me, i should have an open seat. if this cat isn't a tool and a half, he could go shotgun, film, and spell me a bit. <edited><editID>Boxologist</editID><editDate>2007-04-03 21:21:21</editDate></edited>

[solder_guy]

From the journalist, some more details, and some words to assuage anyone who might be nervous about letting someone else drive...



Check your insurance contract first before agreeing to this. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/rolleyes5.gif



Rob

<edited><editID>solder_guy</editID><editDate>2007-04-04 02:15:55</editDate></edited>

[Al Navarro]

Thanks everyone!



I should be able to announce something on this front VERY soon.

[Al Navarro]

Although I announced that someone from Hemmings was commited to our event via email to all the registrants, I have something to add to that announcement...



ANOTHER journalist has just committed to coming to 7-7-7...this time from Automobile Magazine! He may be lurking around the forum to get a feel for the different cars and characters in our community.



I'll allow him to introduce himself when he cares to.

[plerner]

Hey, Al, thanks for the quasi-introduction. For all you other LSiS'ers ....



My name is Preston Lerner, and I have indeed been assigned by Automobile Magazine to cover the 7-7-7 extravaganza at Tail of the Dragon. My brief is to write a feature not only about the event, but also about the cars and people participating in it. What we're most interested in is capturing the culture that's coalesced around the Lotus 7 and the sports cars it's inspired. As such, I'm eager to visit with as many people and examine as many cars as I can. If possible, and with your great indulgence, I'd also love to get behind the wheel of a few of your babies. Without getting some actual seat-time, I suspect I'll never truly understand what makes these cars so addictive. That said, be assured that my goal isn't to set any speed records, and Job One will be doing no damage to any of the cars that you're generous enough to let me sample.



Anyway, I'm really looking forward to the event. If anybody would like to contact me beforehand, please feel free to call or email. Thanks.



Cordially,



Preston Lerner

plerner@pacbell.net

818-843-8214

[slngsht]

Hi Preston, Welcome aboard!



Hopefully (I'm pretty confident) you'll get plenty of opportunity among various cars.



I'm thinking perhaps letting you have an autocross run in my car. It may provide some fun http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif



Looking forward to meeting you at the event.



How are you getting to the dragon? I assume you're coming from CA. Perhaps if you can plan to fly into one of the nearby cities, and hookup with some seveners on the way to the dragon, you'd get more opportunity to see the sevening life.



By the way, at the bottom of this thread you can turn on Email Notification.



http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cheers2.gif<edited><editID>slngsht</editID><editDate>2007-04-18 22:14:48</editDate></edited>

[MichaelD]

Preston,



You are welcome to drive mine.



Michael D.

[Deman USA]

Hello Preston,

Dino from Deman USA here. We (Paul & I)would be more than happy to take you for a ride, and even let you take it for a spin. Looking forward to meeting you.



Dino & Paul

Deman USA http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/mad5.gif

[Al Navarro]

Keep in mind that the journalists will want to spend some time taking photos of your car...so budget that into your schedules for the weekend.



I'm going to send out an email in the next few days that will include some tips on how to hit every one of the mapped routes over the weekend without feeling pressed for time. Between my two visits, I was able to drive them all and have some thoughts about each one.

[slomove]

Al, if you should know an unemployed journalist who can afford 2 weeks out (and is looking for a vacation), we may find a seat for the Pacific Northwest tour in August http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/wink5.gif



But that might rather end up in a coffee table book than in an article http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif



Gert

[stevet]

Al, I've talked to the editor at Low Flying and they would like me to do a piece.

Almost like a journalist, except I'm not being paid - story of my life really :crazy:

[Al Navarro]

Another Journalist has signed up for the 7-7-7 event.

Jonny Lieberman, who did that nice write up on Gert for Jalopnik a few months back.

He's looking for a buddy who will provide seat time and perhaps even some moments behind the wheel.

[slngsht]

My car is available here and there. We'll have to schedule it.

[Al Navarro]

Anyone who gets time behind the wheel of Franken7 should be required to have a at least a Formula 1 license...or at least be the acting president of the club or something...:jester:

[slngsht]

Fair enough

[Kitcat]

Anyone wanting a ride/drive in a '97 Classic Caterham DeDion Crosssflow should contact me. As a new owner, I am happy to share the love. I am sure I will have the only midnite blue with a red flash on the nose, so feel free to grab me at the event. I leave Sunday AM so this offer is only good from expected arrival on Friday around 1:00 (hopefully) til late Saturday.

Prospective drivers and passengers should know that it helps to be short and skinny. I think anyone with more than a 34" waist is going to have trouble fitting. Even if you get in, you may never get out!

My guess is that length is less of a problem so up to 6' tall should be do-able. Also upper torso is important. I wear a size 40 suit and man, this car feels like a size 38 in the shoulder area. Also, bring driving shoes if you have them. My size 9 feet don't work well with tennis shoes so I bought driving shoes and even with them the fit is tight.

See you there,
Mike

[stevet]

Trust me Kitcat, you can fit someone waaay bigger than that in there... :jester:

(I'm not saying they would be comfortable...)

[jonnylieberman]

Another Journalist has signed up for the 7-7-7 event.

Jonny Lieberman, who did that nice write up on Gert for Jalopnik a few months back.

He's looking for a buddy who will provide seat time and perhaps even some moments behind the wheel.

Hey guys,

Thanks for the intro, Al. And here's the piece I wrote about fellow traveler Gert and his righteous Birkin S3: http://tinyurl.com/2mjdd5

I know that these cars are your pride and joy so I mostly am just looking for seats to ride shotgun in and cars to take pictures of. As well as funny stories to tell.

As far as driving 'em goes, only a dead person wouldn't want to get behind the wheel of a Se7en. To possibly molify your fears, you should know I've completed various high performance driving schools and fairly routinely have cars with 500+ hp dropped off at my house. Also, I am much more interested in the Dragon itself than AutoXing.

Most importantly, I'm really excited that you all are letting me tag along. I'm sure most of the specifics will sort themselves out come July.

See you there! And please feel free to contact me,

-Jonny-
jonnylieberman@gmail.com
213.248.5217

[Kitcat]

Scratch my car from the list of availables. I went to Putnam Park racetrack yesterday and ended up with a dead engine and had to mooch a trailer ride home. Probably nothing terribly serious but it's at the only shop in this area with experience working on 7's, Crossflows, Webers, etc and there is a long line of other charming old Brit cars ahead of it. So it doesn't look like we will be cruisin the Dragon this weekend after all.

[stevet]

Bummer. Hope you get it sorted soon.

[Boxologist]

come down anyway!

[slngsht]

come down anyway!

:iagree: